Wake Uppers share about joining the Order of Interbeing
Last summer two young Wake Up friends received the 14 Mindfulness Trainings (MTs) at Plum Village to become members of the Order of Interbeing. The Order of Interbeing was founded in 1966 by Thây, and the first members of the Order were young people who were social workers in the School of Youth for Social Service founded by Thay. Order of Interbeing members commit to building the Sangha, and practicing the 14 Mindfulness Trainings, taking Thây’s teachings of engaged Buddhism out into the world. You can read more about the Order of Interbeing (OI) here.
In this interview with Wake Up International, Ming (Wake Up Singapore) and Chris (Wake Up San Francisco) share about their practice studying the 14 Mindfulness Trainings and ordaining as lay members of the OI.
Why did you want to join the Order of Interbeing?
Ming: I wanted to join the OI to deepen my commitment to the practice and my love for the Sangha. The practice and the Sangha have given me so much, and I felt called to support and contribute to this meaningful work. After hearing about the OI from mentors and reading the 14 Mindfulness Trainings, something deep within me resonated – it just made sense. It felt like a natural and profound next step in my journey. I’m so grateful for the support I received, that allowed me to join the OI.
Chris: The first time I read the 14 Mindfulness Trainings, they spoke to me as concrete practices that could help me to a live a happier and moral life. I felt as if unwrapping a gift from a grandparent, something precious that Thay had passed on to us. As I dug deeper into the origins of the Order of Interbeing as a movement of young adults aspiring to create community in the midst of war, I knew that the OI could be a home for me.
How as your experience being an OI aspirant?
Ming: I loved it. The journey was incredibly supportive, and I learned so much more than I could have imagined from my mentors and Dharma teachers. Through the training, I came to know myself on a deeper level and understood the teachings in a way I hadn’t before. It also gave me the courage and confidence to facilitate, lead sanghas, and support others on the path.
Chris: A lot like the practice, my experience was what I made of it. I learned a lot from my mentors, and also I did a lot of studying on my own in a proactive manner. I made sure I did as much as possible to make it easy for my study group and mentors to get together.
What is the biggest insight you got from studying the 14 Mindfulness Trainings?
Ming: The biggest insight was truly just a deep sense of gratitude and reverence for the Sangha and all the conditions that made it possible for us to be here today. I feel immense respect and love for Sister Chân Không, Thây, the monastics, the original Order of Interbeing, and all those who paved the way before us. Their dedication and perseverance continue to inspire me.
Chris: I’m not sure if it is major, but I gained a deep appreciation for the depth of the practice, how each mindfulness training builds upon and connects to the others, and sets the table for a beautiful mosaic that is at once evolutionary and timeless.
How did it feel to receive the brown jacket? Does it change how you approach the Sangha and the practice?
Ming: The day I received the brown jacket was so special. It was incredibly emotional, exciting, meaningful, and also a little nerve-racking because I understood deeply the sense of responsibility it represented. My dear friend and I, who went through the aspirancy together, gifted each other our jackets after the ceremony, which made it even more significant. With or without the jacket, I feel a deep responsibility to honor the teachings and to practice wholeheartedly.
Chris: I’m not sure it has changed much for me in the Sangha. In fact, I forgot I had a jacket the first time I went to a formal Sangha gathering! I felt honored and connected to receive the jacket. Along with the certificate, it is a physical manifestation of the relationships, siblings, insights and communities that have woven their way into my life. I felt and continue to feel deeply grateful to have a chance to participate and take refuge in Vietnamese Buddhism.
For my practice, I do find it helped to steel my resolve. Making a solemn commitment in front of legendary monks like Br. Phap Huu and amazing nuns like Sr. True Dedication, and the community at large, is the best type of accountability and support!
What do you want to say to other young people who aspire to nourish their Bodhicitta and take the 14 MTs?
Ming: The 14 Mindfulness Trainings are not a finish line to cross or a prize to attain. They are seeds that naturally bloom in your heart through consistent practice. They come alive as you show up for yourself, your loved ones, the world, and the Sangha. And remember, you don’t need the 14 MTs to make a meaningful impact. You are already capable of supporting others and contributing to Sangha building, and even studying and embodying the 14 MTs. There’s no fixed timeline, no checklist of skills – each person’s path unfolds in its own way. Trust your journey. When the time feels right, having mentors and friends to walk alongside you will bring both support and joy to the path.
Chris: Please be kind to yourself! The 14 MTs will find their way to you when conditions are ready if you allow it. I have seen that, for some, it takes only a short time, and for others many years or even decades. For me, the label has little value. The quality of my practice is what counts.
